Become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska - NE

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 16 2010

How to Become an RN in Nebraska

Federal, state and local news media cover stories constantly of the fear of an epidemic nursing shortage in the years to come. In Nebraska the story is much of the same, as the need for qualified, licensed nurses is already at an all time high and the demand is expected to increase steadily for years to come. In fact, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services the shortage of Registered Nurses in the state will be at critical levels by the year 2020 unless more individuals are educated and prepared to become equipped, knowledgeable and skilled professionals. Registered nurses are a vital member of the health care team and must be highly trained and yet adaptable individuals. If you have an interest in becoming a nurse, now is the time to pursue your dream. It is expected that this profession will expand rapidly through 2018 and as many as 40% more jobs will open, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.  It is a wonderful time to begin your educational path to becoming a nurse in Nebraska.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Nebraska

What do you envision a career as a nurse will be like? Maybe you would like to work in a fast paced environment such as a trauma center or an urgent care facility. Perhaps you would like to work in doctor's office where you can see patients from all walks of life, old and young. The possibilities are endless as Registered nurses work in hospitals, offices, schools, government agencies, geriatric care facilities and more. Those individuals that are best equipped to become a nurse are organized, detailed-oriented and strong communicators. You will take orders from doctors and perhaps other nurses as well as delegate to nursing aides. The demand for Registered Nurses is nearly overwhelming in Nebraska, but in order to practice in this state you must first get an education. The list below details the steps one should take to become a RN in Nebraska.

1. First and most importantly finish your high school education, or the equivalent GED program in the state of Nebraska.
2. The Nursing Board of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website indicates that you must be a person of high moral character in order to be granted a license to practice in the state. You are to be trusted, as a Nurse, with sensitive medical information and controlled substances and instruments such as drugs and intravenous needles.
3. Research Nebraska RN programs, as the one you choose to enroll in must be accredited. Without coursework from approved Nebraska RN programs you will not be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, which is the most important requirement for becoming a nurse in Nebraska.
4. Determine whether you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs typically gain an education more quickly but then have less opportunity for advancement as their longer trained and educated counterparts, Registered Nurses. In order to become a RN you will complete an educational process anywhere from 2 to 4 years in length.
5. The classes included in a nursing degree are anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as microbiology and chemistry. You will also study the patterns of human behavior with courses in sociology and psychology.  The nursing educational program is intensive in nature a you will concurrently learn more specific areas of nursing, like geriatric, mental health and surgical nursing duties and expectations.
6. During your nursing education, “hands-on” time will also be required of you. In Nebraska you must gain 800 hours of clinical experience during nursing school. The clinical experience will allow you the opportunity to practice and perfect skills you have learned in a classroom. The clinical time should also be thought of as a learning experience, where you will learn things like interacting appropriately with patients and becoming a careful observer of each patient you work with.
7. Once you have completed the nursing school and clinical training you then are a nursing school graduate. In Nebraska, you are not yet able to practice as a nurse as you must first get a state license.
8. In order to get an RN license in Nebraska you will apply through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This test is administered through an outside organization called Professional Credentialing Services, LLC, and there are testing sites for this national exam all over the country. The fee for application and licensure in the state of Nebraska of $123 must be paid as well as the testing fee through PCS of $200 for the examination.
9. Only after successfully passing the NCLEX-RN examination will you then be granted a license to practice as an RN in the state of Nebraska. You will be ready to find a job as Registered Nurse immediately and should have no problem finding a position that is a great fit for your personality and strengths.